Big Brothers Big Sisters of Norman in Dire Need of Volunteers

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Norman sign
out in front of their organization
PHOTO: Ashley Burns

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Norman office
location on Northwest Porter
PHOTO: Ashley Burns

The News:
Big Brothers Big Sisters (hereafter BBBS) of Norman is always in need of volunteers, but now more than ever. According to Lisa Wilmoth, BBBS has over 36 boys on the waiting list. Male volunteers are preferred but not restricted. BBBS of Norman will be hosting its annual event Bowl for Kids Sake in the upcoming month and people can sign up to participate or can donate online at strikeitbig.org. Wilmoth says, "We are a nonprofit and we need our community."

The Impact:
Wilmoth became involved with BBBS at the age of 19, now at the age of 32 she is an employee and volunteer. "I mentored an 11 year old girl when I first started college here and mentored her until she graduated. I knew that I was going to impact her, or at least hope so, but I never thought she would impact me. I am now an employee and still volunteering", says Wilmoth. She and her husband are currently mentoring a 15 year old boy and have been since he was 11. "It is so great for the kids to see a good healthy relationship because most of them come from broken homes", Wilmoth said. She also mentioned that when she watches volunteers over the years she sees how impacted they are by the child.

The Context:
BBBS of Norman started in the 1970's. Since their founding date they have had several programs put into place such as the community program, the school program and the couples program. "We are such a unique nonprofit due to the fact that we have been in existence nationwide now for over 100 years and because we are the largest mentoring agency and serve a countless number of children nationwide", said Wilmoth. Volunteers are asked to complete and application, a reference, an interview and if they have passed those three they will then have a number of background checks ran on them for the child's safety. Due to Oklahoma holding the record for the highest incarceration for men and the third largest for women, they are in constant need.

Human Dimension:
Wilmoth shares, "Our little brother, Jason who is 11 had no concept about college. It has never been an option to him. He comes from a great mom, but single and does her best to keep a roof over his head and food on the table. College is not on his mind because he is worrying about the next time he is going to eat or if he will have running water to take a shower or even brush his teeth. My husband and I decided when he turned 15 we would start taking him to OU on occasion to show him everything he has to look forward to. He started to become more and more interested in higher education and asked what jobs made what salaries. This child went from not knowing what the word "degree" meant to wanting to obtain a degree. Through BBBS he has realized he can have a better future for himself. It does not happen overnight. It takes countless hours and dedication."

What's Next?:
BBBS has one goal in mind and that is to serve more kids. Due to the crashing economy, nonprofits have suffered. Their number one goal and mission is to serve children and they are taking it one day at a time. "Overcome, be creative and new resources are three goals for the near future", said Wilmoth. They need positive mentoring to break negative cycles. You can contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Norman at (405) 364-3722 or look them up on the web at BBBS.ok.org.